35 Best BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipes for Quick Summer Dinners (Easy Summer Grilling Food!)

Introduction

Nothing says summer like the irresistible aroma of BBQ grilled chicken sizzling over an open flame. These 35 best BBQ grilled chicken recipes are designed to bring flavor, variety, and simplicity to your table, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive backyard gatherings. Grilling chicken is not only fast and efficient but also infuses each bite with smoky goodness—guaranteed to please a crowd while keeping your meal prep stress-free.

Why These BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipes Are Your Summer Go-To

This curated collection features a range of marinades, rubs, glazes, and techniques—each crafted to maximize juiciness and bold taste. Whether you’re craving classic barbecue, tangy citrus, spicy chipotle, or sweet-and-savory teriyaki, these recipes deliver endless possibilities while keeping preparation time short. Grilled chicken is a healthy, protein-packed staple that pairs effortlessly with fresh summer sides and is easy to prep ahead for relaxed summer evenings.

Essential BBQ Grilled Chicken Techniques

For best results, let your chicken rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply. Use direct medium-high heat for pieces like drumsticks and thighs to achieve crisp skin, or indirect heat for larger cuts to ensure even cooking. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to preserve its juices.

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Chicken Every Time

Start with room-temperature chicken and pat it dry before adding oil and seasoning to promote even browning. Grill bone-in pieces for extra flavor, and brush with sauce during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F for breasts, 175°F for thighs).

Serving Ideas for Your BBQ Grilled Chicken

Serve grilled chicken alongside vibrant salads, grilled corn, or fresh fruit for a balanced summer meal. Bundle leftovers into wraps, salads, or sandwiches for easy lunches. Don’t forget a refreshing beverage or an icy summer dessert for the ultimate outdoor dining experience!

35 Best BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipes for Quick Summer Dinners

Here are some must-try recipes you can mix and match for any occasion:

1. Classic BBQ Chicken Breasts
2. Honey-Lime Grilled Drumsticks
3. Garlic Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs
4. Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Chicken
5. Greek Yogurt and Lemon Chicken Skewers
6. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
7. Balsamic Cherry Grilled Chicken
8. Cajun-Spiced Chicken Quarters
9. Spicy Mango Salsa Grilled Chicken
10. Maple Sriracha Chicken Wings
11. Coconut Curry Grilled Chicken
12. Chimichurri Marinated Chicken
13. Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken
14. Cider Mustard Bone-In Chicken
15. Cuban Mojo Citrus Chicken
16. Mediterranean Herb Chicken
17. Moroccan Spiced Chicken Thighs
18. BBQ Ranch Chicken Kebabs
19. Peach Bourbon Glazed Chicken
20. Apricot Dijon Glazed Chicken
21. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
22. Lemon Rosemary Chicken Breast
23. Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken
24. Smoked Paprika and Brown Sugar Chicken
25. Margarita Lime Grilled Chicken
26. Japanese Miso Glazed Chicken
27. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks
28. Tarragon Honey Grilled Chicken
29. Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kebabs
30. Five-Spice Asian Chicken
31. Lemon Pepper Bone-In Chicken
32. Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
33. Chipotle Honey Glazed Chicken
34. Peruvian Spiced Chicken Thighs
35. Sticky Orange Soy Grilled Chicken

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save your favorite BBQ chicken recipes to CookifyAI to easily generate a categorized shopping list—so you never forget an ingredient at the store and spend less time meal planning!

Instructions

1. Choose your favorite marinade or rub. In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine chicken pieces, oil, BBQ sauce or marinade, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. Mix well to coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours for best flavor.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high (or set up for indirect heat for larger pieces).
3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill 6-8 minutes per side (breasts), 10-12 minutes per side (thighs and drumsticks), or until juices run clear and internal temp reaches 165°F for breasts or 175°F for thighs/drumsticks.
4. Brush with extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for a sticky glaze.
5. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve alongside your favorite sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

With 35 flavorful recipes to choose from, BBQ grilled chicken is a meal planning goldmine. Save and schedule your top chicken recipes with CookifyAI to automatically build your week’s meal calendar and generate smart, categorized shopping lists.

Planning Benefits:

– Combine ingredients across all your recipes for seamless shopping
– Avoid accidental duplicate purchases and ingredient waste
– Organize shopping lists by produce, meat, pantry, and more—speeding up grocery trips
– Make adjustments for serving sizes or swap recipes for dietary preferences with ease

Pro Tip: Planning multiple grilled recipes for summer gatherings? Schedule them in CookifyAI and the app will tally total ingredients—so you buy exactly what you need, every time.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes (excluding marinating time)

Enjoy your summer with these 35 best BBQ grilled chicken recipes—your go-to guide for fresh, easy, and outrageously delicious summer dinners on the grill!